Mahoganie: The Chronicals of a Komplex Phemale

Walls Come Tumbling Down

nobody@vox.com(Mahoganie) — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:35:59 -0400

The real nitty gritty has begun on the house.

Dust covers the heavy duty plastic covering on the furniture in the kitchen and dinning room. New copper pipes replace old rotted ones. Parts of the living room and kitchen have been knocked out to make way for a new bathroom on the main level. Old furniture pieces have been donated.

My back (and even a part of my chest) hurts from all of the packing, moving and even carrying my child around on a daily basis.

Change is here and in a big way.

In the midst of packing up my bedroom I've thrown away a lot things.

A couple of old book bags filled with classwork from my junior and high school years, old and broken trinkets and donated just about my entire closet of clothes and shoes to charity; stuff I hadn't worn since the late 80s and well into the 90s.

I came across old printed out emails, including one from my "Him from New York"; professing his "love" for me. Whatever...

I've come across many pictures and loose change.. I didn't realized I had so many pictures and money scattered about.

In the midst of all of this change I can't help but wonder what is in store for the future.

Indeed I'm in this new phase in life, but I don't know how to describe it. It almost feels as if I'm in the same position I was in during my first brink of real change.... very pivotal.

The urge to write has hit me and I'm a bit frustrated cause within this week alone soooo much had to be done before the walls could be knocked into no time to really write. i just pray that the thoughts retain in my head, even as I dream.

Now that the renovation work has officially begun, it sort of caught everyone in the household a little off guard - even though we've known about this since the planning stages. Yet, to see a drastic change to your HOUSE go on right before your eyes is "a hold your breath" kinda thing.

This is indeed not only a change in my life but in my parents as well. For 28 years all of us have LIVED in this house - a house that was originally built in the 50s(?) by an old white guy - who built it for him and his grown son. His son never moved in, because once the house was finished he had gone to live elsewhere and started a family on his own. This is the story my old Italian (next door) neighbor would tell our family over and over.

Speaking of which I miss Ms. Lovisa dearly. I grew up fascinated by her well kept garden in the backyard and her mini vineyard. Who ever heard of a mini vineyard with grapes growing wildly in Southeast Washington, DC? Ms. Lovisa may have very well left Italy, but Italy didn't leave her. And yes.. she did make wine and didn't hesitate in sharing with my father. She even picked me up from school a couple of times - once with a visiting relative from Italy and I got an earful of spoken Italian as I sat back and smile and nodded as if I understood.

It broke my heart when she was no longer able to care for herself. Her family placed her in a nursing home clear on the other side of town... more so in Montgomery County, MD near her sister. Her house was sold and I was a bit angry at the folks who now live in "Ms. Lovisa's House." How dare they get rid of her garden and dig up her beautiful peonies!

Again.. that was a change I wasn't ready for just yet.

Along with this change that is occurring there's Papi. I find myself haunted by past lovers; with opportunities that I could have jumped on but left alone. I'm definitely not the same girl. Each day I'm wanting Papi more and more. Still it's one day at a time. Just be. Last night we had gone to see The Roots and Erykah Badu perform. What's strange is, I've never been the cuddle in public type, but there I was with my head resting on his shoulder or my arm contently on his leg as Erykah Badu sang her heart out.

Side note: Can I just say I looked and felt sexy. I rarely say this often, even if it is about myself but I was hot! I found a dress at Torrid.. something like this - minus the pockets and mine is a dark gray. My jewelry from the Lalia Rowe store in Tyson's Corner... something like this - my necklace was multi-color with pastels pink, yellow, a mint green and light blue. My black six inch Steve Madden pumps and my black clutch from Aldo. Oh and of course the right touch of MAC make up. I even wore a little eyeshadow which is something I do once is a blue moon. Ironically, I matched Papi who was wearing gray and black; which is something I loathe when I see a couple matching. However, I had no idea he was going to wear such. Too bad we didn't take any pictures.

Change is in the air and I'm not talking about Obama's madness.

I feel like shedding more skin.

Recognize. Accept. Embrace.

Change.. feel it

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Out of the Lane Bryant Loop

nobody@vox.com(Mahoganie) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:47:28 -0400

Aquarius Mode

No matter how hard I try, I somehow end up at the mall in Pentagon City. Over the years I've grown to loathe that place since it became "a must see stop!" among the tourists that flock to the DC; mainly those large bus groups of middle and high school students. I only go to that mall if I absolutely MUST. Today was such.

My mother had a wedding gift for a fellow church member engraved at the store Things Remembered. My mission was to pick it up for her since she would be dealing with my grandmother for the day. Naturally I didn't mind. Also, I figured since I was there I would visit the Lane Bryant (only a few stores downs) and pick up a fresh pair of jeans. I've worn my current ones down to the ground. So it was time.

I walked into Lane Bryant thinking it would be a simple task. I would go to my usual selection of average or petite size 16 with the natural waist, stretch, boot cut. Today I would want the dark stone wash demin if they had it. Yet, I was proven wrong when I reached the jean section. It became obvious that I had missed the memo about the changes the store made with their jeans. Curse me for not paying close attention to my emails or those niffty coupon/promo announcements they mail to my house. Instead of facing my usual selection I was now dealing with a color code and single number digits from 1 - 7 (or so). It's Lane Bryant's (not so) new marketing gimmick "The Right Fit" as I later learned.

I took a deep breath.

Yellow = Straight body type

Red = Moderately Curvy

Blue = Curvy all the way.

I went for red after mentally answering the questions or statements posed for "red jean" wearers.

"If your current jeans ride down in the back of your waist and have pockets that gape when you sit" then you are red.

Then my logic kicked in. I'm still pretty much a size 16 so I'm guessing a size 1 or 2 should accomodate.

Another deep breath.

I search around for perhaps a size chart of some sort. None in sight. Thankfully there was a Latino lady next to me who looked just as confused as I did. Finally her daughter spoke up for her and asked an associate to measure her mom and help her find the "The Right Fit." I waited a few moments and asked the assocate to mesure me. At first she was quick to say I was a yellow, but after further inspection she told me red and that I seem to have the right size picked out already, a 2, but she handed me a 3 just in case.

I asked her when did the store make the changes. She informed me that "The Right Fit" has really been in effect for about two years, but at first it was just a very small "thing." I vaguely remember the promo about it, but I stopped paying attention to Lane Bryant long ago when I became disenchanted in their selection. Granted the better store for me in this area is the Tyson's Corner store, I would still only come out with a nice top here, a pair of jeans there and once in a while a nice suit. Then again, clothes have been very disappointing to me lately as nothing has been inspiring to me.

Shoes on the other hand............

Nevertheless after conversing with the sales associate I got the idea behind "The Right Fit." A size 14 may not necessarily fit a "size 14" but will feel just right or perfect in a size 12. A normally size 16 figure may fit best in a size 18. So whomever these top researchers are that have partnered or are under hire from the company that owns Lane Bryant, they have developed a system that sort of leaves your normal size undefined and goes with a denim sizing system fits best for your body shape.

I should have known something was up when I went into the store once before and noticed all of the regular sized jeans on clearance. Yet, after browsing around for a few more minutes I entered into a dressing room. I tried on the 2 and was instantly impressed! My curves - hips and bottom - looked "bootylicious!" I'm scared to know what it all would look like had I had on a pair of heels. I tried on the 3 and it was a bit baggy and didn't have the same effect.

My love affair that I once had with Lane Bryant still hasn't returned, but if their jeans keep accenting my right spots we may can work something out.

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Confessions of a Stationary Magazine Book Whore

nobody@vox.com(Mahoganie) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:48:23 -0400

Forgive me "father" for I have sinned it has been several days, maybe weeks, since my last confession.

I've been on a slight mission ever since I purchased a dress a week or so ago.

My mission...finding the perfect black patent leather clutch purse.

After my free oil change (thank you Mazda), I ended up at Target today and was very disappointed in their selection. Really... how hard can it be to find a nice black patent leather clutch bag without big silly bows? I know I'm a child of the 80s but DAMN!

COOOOOME OOOOOON!

I steered the cart away from that department, picked up a few items for the Snickerdoodle and landed in heaven.

My eyes lit up when I saw the stationary/card section.

Greeting Card Whore

Okay, I don't know what it is about me and greeting cards or stationary exactly. I don't even know when this addiction started. I have a fetish for pretty paper thingys. I literally have a collection of greeting cards that I have not given to anyone, because they are too pretty to give to just anyone.

Hey some people collect stamps.

Me....

I'm a pretty paper person.

I did manage to pick up a couple of Mother's Day cards that I will be giving to my mother and grandmother. I still have May birthday cards to pick up. oye!

Eventually the cards I have in my collection will go to someone... well.. I'm not too sure about the card with the glamour high heel (as pictured above). I simply adore that one. So if anyone gets it, they better damn sure appreciate it.

Anywho....

Needless to say, I caved to my greeting card addiction right there in the middle of Target. To hell with the clutch purse...for now.

On to Barnes & Noble.

My original mission with B&N was to pick up the May issue of Allure Magazine (I actually got the last copy! Did everyone know this was the annual "naked" issue?)

Again, I was in heaven.

1. I was in a freaking bookstore. I miss buying a book or two.

2. B&N has just about any pop culture and sub pop culture magazine you can think of. I'm a straight up glossy, airbrush, feature writing, artistic photography, quirky article, inspirational and motivational, 1,000 word count..... WHORE!

Today's Picks from the Newsstand aka Barnes & Noble (4/29/08)

Along with Allure, I picked up two of my favs.

Black Book and Fader (oh I missed reading Fader!)

I also picked up the 2008 edition of Writer's Market! Oh how I NEED this as I scope out who to query for freelance projects and even further my search for a literary agent!

(Big Score for me!)

Also, I could not resist another Jennifer Weiner book.

Gnb cover

OK! Stop! Hold it! The last book by Weiner that I actually own, read and loved was her first, Good In Bed. I could relate to that book on so many levels - and probably even more so now. Ironically I thought about that book last night. I had the urge to re-read it, but my butt was too lazy to get out of bed to hunt for it in my maze of boxes and such thanks to renovation inconvenience. I never got around to reading In Her Shoes, which I'm mad at myself for - since I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. I didn't bother picking up Little Earthquakes, because after reading the synopsis I wasn't interested. However, today I just couldn't refuse her latest, Certain Girls. The story picks up where Good in Bed left off. So yes... if you are a Jennifer Weiner reader... Cannie Shapiro is back!

With nothing much more to say I would like to be excused now from today's confession. I'm eager to do some self assigned homework in drumming up some ideas, reading a chapter or two in The Purpose Driven Life and skim through my magazines while drinking some ice tea and wiggling my toes under my covers.

If there shall be a penance for my addictive ways let it be the Snickerdoodle refusing to sleep unless she curls up with me. I can handle that.

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Untitled Weekend

nobody@vox.com(Mahoganie) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:38:28 -0400

I can't seem to stay away from the Baltimore area lately...

The weather was too nice in the DC area on Saturday to waste, but I still wanted to skate out of town for a min. I felt like driving.

The contactors returned with their drilling and banging. I was in no mood for a headache and the Snickerdoodle wanted out. I called my brother, Chuck, to see if he wanted to take a ride with us to either Baltimore or Annapolis. I was thinking more so of Fells Point in Baltimore. I don't know... for some reason I felt like being near some water, but the funny thing was I didn't feel like being bothered with crowds of people. Fells Point STAYS crowded, but I still like the energy of the place. Nevertheless, Chuck didn't answer. I even thought about "kidnapping" Papi for the ride, especially since I had a feeling I would be stopping at my favorite crab place near the Owings Mills area. Papi loves seafood. However, I left him alone.

I believe Saturday was meant for mother/daughter time anyways.

Mommy's New Shoes & Toy

It was just me and the Snickerdoodle riding up the Baltimore/Washington Parkway for the second time this week. With some extra "cushion" in my "stash", I was able to splurge on myself a bit. Well, the previous day I was able to upgrade to a new phone. While in the Baltimore area, the Carrie Bradshaw in me made me stop by my favorite shoe warehouse. I bought a nice pair of peep toe black patent leather Enzo Angiolini heels. I didn't dawn on me until I got home that I haven't worn black patent leather shoes since I was 18!!! Why have been holding out for so long?

Nevertheless my Snickerdoodle and I enjoyed our day together with the shoe shopping, a stop at a grocery store to pick up a few items for her and dinner at Captain Harvey's along Reisterstown Rd.

Now the rain is pouring, the Snickerdoodle is asleep, the house is quiet.

I feel like writing.

Good Night.

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My Skins, A Marriage Wish and My Snobbish/Hood Ways

nobody@vox.com(Mahoganie) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:47:19 -0500

Redskin

Well, the "Battle in Seattle" playoff (wildcard) game is over.

Redskins 14 Seahawks 35

Though I'm still proud of my Skins, I can't shake the feeling that their heads may not have been ALL the way in the game. I missed a majority of the first half - caught in some BS traffic coming from southern Maryland. I missed the memo on the traffic interruption taking place on a small part of Branch Ave. (grrrrrrrrrrr) However, when I did turn off my music and tuned to the radio, I was able to keep up with the score - Thank you EZ Street!

The second half was a bit exciting once the Skins had possesion, but of coruse hopes were dashed when the Seahawks kept shutting us down. I cringed at the field goal we missed...by 30 yards - OUCH!

Of course Papi wasted no time in sending me a text - his little taunt. Oh well, I would've done the same if it were his team.. Dallas *puke*

Win or Lose. Still love my Skins.

Soooo.. at some point this evening, my little cousin made a comment. It was out of the blue. It came out of left field. I'm actually deeming it my qoute of the day.

I was busy setting up a new toy for my daughter when the little cuz looked at me and said,

"I hope you get a husband."

I couldn't do nothing but laugh, because it's not so much of what he said, but how he said it.... like "damn, get married."

As I'm writing this, I'm on my instant messenger talking with Brandon and telling him about it. He's two sense.... he think the Lord could be talking through my little cuz.

Speaking of Brandon, part of our conversation has been about his tagline on IM

"I'm so suburb" ... yanno like the DJ Khalid song "I'm So Hood."

I told him ironically I wanted to write about something I realized today that is sorta centered around this.

Today I realized I'm a shopping snob. Meaning, I only go to certain malls or locations to shop to get away from the so called "hood" element or even annoying crowds. Today, I got up and went to Walmart, but not just any Walmart. I had to go the nicer, quieter and more organized Walmart in LaPlata, Maryland. LaPlata is about 30 to 40 minutes outside of DC and really a hop, skip and jump from the part of the city I reside. Sure there are plenty of Walmarts that are closer in to the city; in neighboring Northern Virginia areas and even passing two on the way to LaPlata. Nooooooooooo....I had to go to "Westbubblefuck" or in this case.. "South of the Border"

As for other shopping locations... I absolutely hate Pentagon City Mall.... it's become such a tourists attraction over the years and annoying teenage hangout. Yeah, I did some "hanging out" there too as a kid, but as you can tell the novelty of that mall as worn off on me big time. I only go if I have to get a quick gift, stop by my stationary store or decide to get my nails done at the salon there - the nail salon maybe a tad expensive, but it's good work and good service.

So.. I opt to shop either in the city limits, but that can be a hassle when you talk about parking. Majority of the time I'm off to Tyson's Corner (VA) and/or Leesburg (VA). Sometimes I'm even off to the suburbs of Baltimore.

Yet, what's funny.... as much as I'm a shopping snob.. I'm quick to turn around and head to the carry out spot 'round da way and order a chicken wing special with fries or fried rice that is just under $5.

Brandon's two cents on that...

Brandon: Face It (insert my gov't name). You're going to be like my father. My father was anxious to leave the country, that he was willing to fight in Vietnam than be in Upperville, VA (LOL). Thing is, the country has never left him. My father is the epitome of the country version of keeping it real. You the same way. Your tastes will change in some areas, but you will (for the most part), always be hood.

Me: What makes me hood?

Me: Cause I'm from "Souf" East?

Me: lol

Me: I would like to know

Me: why am I'm hood?

Brandon: Hmmm...lets see. LOL!!! HELL FREAKIN' YEAH!!

Brandon: Seriously speaking...you are urban, that's who you are. You represent DC to the fullest, and although you are middle class, you are able to float in both the worlds of REAL HOOD and in the so-called civilized world.

Brandon: And the thing is...for alot of black folk, it is not cool to be middle class. I know for a long time, I used to get picked on, and used to feel guilty. After awhile, I stopped givin' a shit. Also...I don't consider myself anything. I get along with everybody, and I don't care what side of the tracks you came from. For me...it's about respect.

Brandon's final word.. which was actually his opening statement for this part of the conversation....

Brandon: Nah...but I was listening to "I'm So Hood" in my car. People talk so proudly about being from the hood, and hell...they have country music. Well damnit, somebody has to represent all of the volvo drivin', country club goin', private school attending people out here. So much respect to Potomac, McLean, Sterling, Mitchelville.

Of course I cracked up laughing at that comment.

Sooo on that note...

Good Night Folks... I'm taking my Skins loving, need to get a husband, snobbish, hood tendency "arse" to bed...

Damn.. too early for bed.

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First

nobody@vox.com(Mahoganie) — Sat, 12 May 2007 10:04:54 -0400

Yesterday was a first. It was the first time Taylor and I spent the WHOLE day outside of the house. Before it's been me just running a few errands here and there or a visit with my grandmother for a couple of hourse. However, it was too beautifull outside to only stay out for a couple of hours and waste the rest. Nothing major was done, but then again when you are a mom with child(ren) in tow, everything can seem like a major event.

I was worried about getting my nails and toes done. Of course the smell of acrylic did concern me, but luckily Taylor's stroller has a canopy cover that covers the carrier portion of her stroller altogether. She slept during most of that venture, only waking up to get a lil something to eat. I must say, I handled the situation beautifully. The nail technician was a bit amazed at how mutilfuctional I became with wet polish on my toes and getting my hands worked on.

Afterwards I finally went and had the car washed. I don't think that car has been washed since my father had it last. When my folks signed it over to me back in November, it was really no need in getting it washed then. Snow fell, the ice came and when it did neither there was rain. The car looks almost good as new now. I'm just mad that my lil home scent spray from Bath and Body Works went defunct on me at the last minute. Nothing like having a good smelling car after a nice wash.

Then it was on to the mall for some mother's day and birthday shopping. I think I spent more on cards than anything. I treated myself to a nice outift and a top from Lane Bryant. My original plan was to get a new pair of jeans, but I didn't like how anything I put on looked on me, especially as my butt looked flat and I know I have a round rump...or did I loose that along the way? I think I may have dropped to a size 12. My usual 14/16 frame is at odds. Either the clothes are a bit too loose or it feels wierd. When I went to see my girl "G", at Nordstroms she noticed how small I seem to be. G is this nice and beautifully wonderful chica (about my age) that words in Nordstrom's plus size department. She's sorta of my mother's personal shopper after her regular one passed away. G is slowly becoming my personal shopper whenever I go. Of course I always head straight to the sale rack when I go.

(insert a chuckle)

Nevertheless, G and I are planning to have lunch sometime next week...just a girlie kinda thing. Me. G. Taylor.

Today, I'm not sure where Taylor and I will go. It's 9:30 am and I can't decide wif we should head to LaPlata, MD or Leesburg, VA. Not that there is anything special in LaPlata. I just like the ride heading towards southern Maryland. Plus their Walmart is nice and quiet. I still have that $50 gift card to Walmart burning in my wallet. Of course my drive to Leesburg is for the ride as well as the shopping outlets. I believe there is a Walmart nearby, but I've never gone in that one. Hmm. If I head to Leesburg, I'll be tempted to stop at Tyson's Corner on the way back. I always do.

That's what I love about living in DC. As much as I am a city girl, I still have the option to just go south, east or west. To the moutains, glance a view at the long and ever flowing Potomac River, or just go wherever to make it feel like a long trip but it's really close. DC allows you to be pivotial that way.

Other news? My long time friend Nikki got in touch with me yesterday. We talked for a good little while before I left out. I'm sadden that she can't make the baby shower though. She'll be out of town. Speaking of which I need to shoot her an email sometime today.... Amazing how the two of us have become so grown. I still see us in kindergaten getting into trouble because I either allowed her to draw on my face with crayon or I dared her to climb that holly tree that was on the side of the school's blacktop.

Now I'm a mother and starving artist as a writer.

She is finally living her dream ....an actress doing little things for theatrical companies and singing in a band that is moving into full time mode.

Of course both of us are still bound by reality.. in search of a steady paycheck while trying to fulfill our goals.

I also received a call from this guy. KR. KR is one of the writers under Shekinah Publishing. I hadn't spoken to him in about a year or so, just when Nisha and I were drawing up plans for the website. I felt bad that I hadn't had a real chance to call KR back since his last visit to DC. Nevertheless, all is forgiven. He understood I had just had a baby at the time of his visit so I couldn't have been all that in tune to making phone calls and so forth. What did catch me a bit off gaurd is the fact that he called me for encouragement. He hasn't been writing like he should.

KR is very talented as he is songwriter/poet. however, lately he feels his stuff isn't good enough. Part of his problem is that he is trying to hard, perhaps to impress and not really finding what is truly inside of him. Then he admited to not being patient, but I told him with writing.. you have to be. Sometimes it take a while to develop as a writer... as with anything you do. What really had me was how someone with so much talent just views his stuff as sorta lackluster. Yet, I guess with any [humble] artist you tend to do that. I do it sometimes and I've known others who write do the same thing. It's an honest habit. I still find it strange that at this point in my life, folks ARE calling me a writer and I'm starting to affirm that. I don't think I've done anything great. So..I've been published as a journalist quite a few times and had my first breakthrough as a fiction writer this past fall with the Katrina Anthology. They are accomplishments..yes.... but I'm no James Patterson, Jackie Collins, Zane, Terry McMillian or any other celebrity status writer.

Nevertheless, I think KR got where Iw as coming from and I'm flattered that he sought encouragement from me.

Well I have nothing more to babble about. I'm just a little exicted that tomorrow will be my first mother's day and thanks to Erin who was the first to send me a card...it makes me feels special that this is my first ever!

Hmm so this weekend was one of "first" so far.

First full day out with baby. First mother's day. First time really seeing that I am a writer.

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Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day

nobody@vox.com(Mahoganie) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 22:32:08 -0400

Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day

Nikki Giovanni

Well, I took today's title from the title of one of my favorite reads by Nikki Giovanni.

Today was a dreary day. I jumped up, got Taylor dressed and even went as far as packing her diaper bag with the hopes that the sun would shine and we could venture outside. However, by the time I took my shower, I came out feeling utterly tired and took one look outside and said

"Maybe tomorrow."

I'm growing restless in the house, I'm sure Taylor is as well.

So what did we end up doing on such a rainy day? Taylor slept, ate, cried and slept some more. Me? I went into the domestic mommy mode. I tended to Taylor, cooked dinner and found time to bake a cake somewhere. All the while, I watched The Breakfast Club for the umteenth time and the movie Of Mice and Men, which is something I haven't seen since reading the book back in high school - poor Lenny.

The shopping bug has bit me as well. Actually today's venture was to head to a mall or some kind of store. I need clothes badly, well maybe not that bad. I still need a new pair of jeans and .... Hell I just want something to help me "bring my sexy back." I'm just glad that I seem to have my "before baby" size back, if not a little less since some of my clothes are a bit baggy.

I did some online browsing today and thought about a group of friends. See, this group of friends and I have a reunion or get together every year in August. I'm sure if I'm hanging out with them this year (depending on who I can get to watch Taylor that weekend - hoping my aunt or sister can take her for a whole weekend during that time), or even if I will be in town, I will want to look sharp. I still have a feeling I may be in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at that time for two weeks. One of my cousins is planning on getting married and would like to see his fam down there.

During my browsing I saw a couple of items I would get for either event - weekend with the dysfuntional clan (I say this jokingly) or for the trip to the beach for a wedding.

Greendream

I first laid eyes on this dress.

Digital Cam 024

I have a pair of gold 5 inch strappy mules by BeBe that would go perfect with the dress. It maybe too dressy to hang with the Dysfunctional Clan, but nice for the wedding.

Then I saw these two tops. Both would dress up a pair of jeans and I can still were those BeBe mules with them.

frumpy

My hair is another matter. I hope to do something with my hair in the future. Maybe I'll take Erin's constant advice and stick to being curly. Folks seem to get a kick out of it.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to to take Taylor out shopping. I have a $50 gift card for Walmart that is burning a whole in my pocket. Even though I know she will grow out of clothes fast, I still would like to get her a couple of outfits for days when we run errands and just tired of being couped up in the house. Besides, I think she is getting cabin fever too. She is such a fuss box lately and it's not all due to being a colic or gassy child.

In other useless news (maybe not that useless)...I see a ray of sun shining down on the job front. I have a feeling something will open up when I least expect it and pretty soon. The guy that has been working on YA's campaign along with my family... the guy I mentioned ( I think) as working with the huge public relations firm that my friend JM hipped me to some time in Dec and that my person at the temp agency wanted me to submit my resume to ....well anywho... he wants me to forward my resume to him and he'll try to work is magic. Is it a writing/editing position? Not sure....

Brandon is also putting in a few words for me. His sister is part of the hiring committee of this non-profit that is looking for a writer/editor. He bugged me all day Friday to make sure I had enough samples to hand to him and to consult with me about my resume. We'll see how this goes....

I've been toying with the idea of pitching a story to Black Enterprise magazine. A story has been brewing in my head for the past week or so. Let's see if I have the motivation level(s) to follow through with this.

Okay.. I hear Taylor... let me see what she wants...

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Weekend Quickie

nobody@vox.com(Mahoganie) — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 13:30:06 -0500

Warning - Entry is not thought provoking at all

I've been on this domesticated kick this weekend. Friday I canceled my 6 pm hair appointment that I spontaneously made on Thursday. 6 pm!!!!!! What the hell was I thinking???? Luckily I was able to reschedule for the first Saturday in Feb. At least that will give me more time to think about what I want done to my hair. Instead, I took my tired behind home and still managed to do a little housework. I helped put groceries away and even cooked a little dinner.

Yesterday I woke up with a sudden burst of energy and motivation to start getting my room in order. However, by the time I ate my late breakfast and sat for a few, my energy was zapped. I got a late start on the room, but it was still a stop and go process. I managed to make a small dent in part of what I wanted to do. I tossed out old papers... minly bank statements and pay stubs from the late 90's to 2003. There were the old catalogs from Frederick's of Hollywood, Crate and Barrel, Spiegel, Pier 1 and Urban Outfitters. There was also a mountain of unused coupons to New York and Company, Lane Bryant and the Coach Outlet. Why did I keep all of that stuff? There's still more that I want to throw out, such as my old Packard Bell computer from 1993? The darn thing didn't even roll over when 2000 came in. Instead it reverted back to 1890?

I managed to get the bulk of my laundry done. I still have my linens to complete.

As I cleaned I played with ideas in my head of where I want the new bed to go and where I want to crib to go. I still want a new chest-of-drawers (mine is really raggedy) and new dresser, if possible (that's about gone too) I want to throw out the desk I have in my room and put in a bookcase/shelf. I have too many books laying around. I'll probably hit up Craigslist or some other website to see what some people are selling their furniture for.

I swear I'm so tempted to go online and fill out the application to be on the Extreme Home Makeover. This house does need some work as well as some expansions. I actually did go as far as printing out the application sometime last year, but I didn't feel like answer all of the questions. The application is like a 20-page questionnaire. My mother is working on getting the house refinanced and going forth with some expansion plans, but when will this be a reality? I have no clue.

I didn't officially stop my cleaning last night until around midnight, and I think even then I was forced to. Baby wasn't feeling me after a while as it kept moving and few times I think the "sucka" actually kicked me. It settled once I settled in bed for the night, curling up with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a bottled water. (oh yeah this is going to be a PB&J kid for sure) I went to bed having crazy dreams, one of which a male friend of mine was naked and on TV ranting about women who make over six-figures, while music of Jay-z rapping in the background to the "Diamonds Are Forever" track.

My intentions for today was to head to Eastern Market to pay a visit to my shea butter pusha. (hahahaha), then to head to mall to get a few items that I do need, including a stop into best Buy or Walmart to (finally) get my copy of Little Miss Sunshine. Yet I woke up feeling stiff and tired. Now that I've eaten a bowl of soup with a grill cheese and have written an entry for today.. I may return to bed.

My body is tired.

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